If there is ever any doubt that the local classical music scene will continue to flourish in the years to come, all one has to do is take a look at Chloe Chua.
At just the age of 16, the violin prodigy is one of the best demonstrators of the idea that a musical instrument should be an extension of the musician rather than just a piece of equipment. Each time she picks up the instrument she fell in love with 12 years ago on stage, Chua turns her performance into an outpouring of emotions and her immense passion for classical music.
Since she stepped into the world of music, she has made waves both in her home country and around the world. To date, she has claimed top prizes at competitions such as the 2017 National Violin & Piano Competition (Junior) in Singapore, the 2018 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists, and the 24th Andrea Postacchini Violin Competition, performed alongside renowned orchestras such as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), the Russian National Youth Orchestra, and the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, and been featured on musical comedy duo TwoSet Violin's YouTube channel.
Most recently, Chua launched her debut album, a recording of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Locatelli’s Harmonic Labyrinth, and moved into the second year of her stint as SSO's Artist-In-Residence, during which she will play four concerts during the 2023/2024 SSO season.
But even after all that she has achieved so far, Chua is still not an individual who would let herself get too comfortable with the status quo.
"There is no end to learning as a musician. I am always motivated by other musicians and artists whom I have met or worked with," she says.
Hear65 caught up with Chua to learn more about her relationship with classical music, her goals for herself in her second year as SSO's Artist-In-Residence, and her journey in the classical music scene as a young musician.
Hi, Chloe! Take us back to the moment you played the violin for the first time. What was that experience like for you?
I fell in love with the violin when I first played the instrument at four years old. I really like the tone and the quality of the violin as it’s very soothing to the heart. Starting out, I practised on the violin for 20 minutes daily, before increasing to hours as I grew older.
I pursued the violin more seriously around six years old, when my current violin teacher, Mr Yin Ke from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, started preparing me for violin competitions. One of the most memorable ones was the Menuhin Competition (2018 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists) held in Geneva in 2018. I am very grateful to have been awarded joint first prize, and my journey as a professional violinist took off from there.
"I really like the tone and the quality of the violin as it’s very soothing to the heart."
What was it about classical music that made you fall in love with it?
I grew up listening to classical music of different genres such as waltz, baroque dance music, romantic piano miniatures, concertos, symphonies of various stylistic periods, operas, and more! Classical music has always been a part of my life and I am able to connect with the tone, colours, and emotions expressed in each musical piece.
My teacher and my mom have definitely played an important part in cultivating my interest in classical music too. As I began performing regularly on stage, my love for classical music grew. Not only can I express my feelings and emotions through music, but I also find joy in sharing it with my audience.
"Classical music has always been a part of my life and I am able to connect with the tone, colours, and emotions expressed in each musical piece."
Which artists or compositions would you recommend to those who are interested in exploring classical music?
I enjoy listening to renowned violinists such as Itzhak Perlman, Leonidas Kavakos, Maxim Vengerov, Hilary Hahn, and Ray Chen; and pianists including Yuja Wang, Evgeny Kissin, Kyohei Sorita, Yun Chan Lim. Popular music compositions I would recommend for easy listening are Mozart’s 'Eine kleine Nachts Musik', Chopin’s piano Nocturnes, and finally, Vivaldi’s 'The Four Seasons', which I recorded in my debut CD album.
You can also consider checking out some of my upcoming concerts with the SSO and some guest artists in the new 23/24 season. In July 2023, I will be playing Mozart’s beautiful Sinfonia Concertante Op.364 with talented violinist-violist He Ziyu. I also look forward to collaborating with organist Isaac Lee in a Baroque Violin recital held in January 2024. The performance includes a number of iconic Baroque violin pieces that are set to delight you!
This year has been an eventful one for you. In March, you launched your debut album with the SSO, a recording of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Locatelli’s Harmonic Labyrinth. What did you hope to convey to your listeners through this record?
Vivaldi’s 'The Four Seasons' is an all-time favourite for many classical music lovers and it has been recorded extensively.
I hope I delivered a different musical experience in my recording. SSO’s Director of Artistic Planning Mr Hans Sorensen had suggested including an organ, along with a harpsichord and cello in the basso continuo, which made a difference in the atmosphere and sound effects of what we normally hear.
Apart from immersing my audience in a musical experience of changing weather and activities unique to every season, 'The Four Seasons', to me, symbolises the ups and downs in one’s life. After the plight in winter, spring will eventually arrive to bring joy, hope, and comfort to all.
Congratulations on the extension of your Artist-In-Residence term with the SSO! What are some goals that you have for yourself in your second year in the role? How has being the SSO’s Artist-In-Residence helped you to grow as a musician?
As Artist-In-Residence, I have gained not only valuable experience through performing alongside a full-fledged orchestra, but also insightful tips from professional musicians and conductors. I am encouraged to experiment with my own musical ideas while playing with the SSO.
After recording and performing the complete Mozart’s violin concertos under the baton of Music Director Hans Graf, I feel that my overall understanding of music and violin-playing has attained greater heights.
My goals in my second-year residency are to continue holding a high standard in my performances and deepening my connection with the audience in Singapore. I enjoyed meeting up with supporters in my previous album autograph sessions. I feel really glad that I can inspire them!
"My goals in my second-year residency are to continue holding a high standard in my performances and deepening my connection with the audience in Singapore."
Having already achieved so much success at a young age, how do you motivate yourself to keep improving?
There is no end to learning as a musician. I am always motivated by other musicians and artists whom I have met or worked with. The opportunities to perform overseas have exposed me to different cultures, people, and music. These experiences have left a huge impression on me and fuelled my passion for music.
"I hope to showcase the true beauty of classical music and constantly inspire fellow musicians and music enthusiasts to continue enjoying and appreciating classical music."
Finally, what kind of impact do you hope to leave on the classical music scene?
I hope to showcase the true beauty of classical music and constantly inspire fellow musicians and music enthusiasts to continue enjoying and appreciating classical music. I also hope to spread positivity to my audience through my music.
Catch Chloe Chua at the following concerts during the SSO's 2023/2024 season:
27 and 28 July 2023 - Chloe Chua and He Ziyu (Elegant and Heroic)
2 September 2023 - Chloe Chua Plays Paganini
10 and 11 November 2023 - Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto
5 and 6 January 2024 - VCHpresents Chamber: Chloe and Isaac Go Baroque
Stream Chloe Chua's recording of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Locatelli’s Harmonic Labyrinth here:
